Introduction to Reaching Out on LinkedIn
In today’s digital age, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for professional networking. Whether you’re looking to expand your career opportunities, gather industry insights, or build meaningful connections, knowing how to effectively reach out on LinkedIn is crucial. But here’s the million-dollar question: can you talk to someone on LinkedIn?
The short answer is yes, absolutely! LinkedIn provides various ways to initiate conversations with other professionals. However, the key lies in how you approach these interactions. As Kristi DePaul, a content creator and thought leadership expert, points out, “How you frame your message to show intent is what makes all the difference.”
Let’s dive into the strategies that can help you master the art of LinkedIn outreach and increase your chances of getting responses.
Tips for Crafting an Effective LinkedIn Message
When it comes to reaching out on LinkedIn, your approach can make or break your networking efforts. Here are some essential tips to help you craft messages that get noticed and responded to:
Do Your Research
Before hitting that ‘Connect’ or ‘Message’ button, take some time to review the person’s profile. Understanding their background, interests, and recent activities can help you personalize your message and find common ground.
Explain Your Purpose
Be clear about why you’re reaching out. Are you seeking advice, looking for job opportunities, or just wanting to connect with someone in your industry? Transparency about your intentions can help build trust from the get-go.
Keep It Concise and Personalized
LinkedIn messages should be short and to the point. Aim for 2-3 paragraphs max. Remember, you’re likely catching someone in the middle of their busy day. Make every word count and show that you’ve tailored the message specifically for them.
Offer Value or Ask for Advice
Instead of just asking for favors, consider how you can provide value to the person you’re contacting. Alternatively, asking for specific advice can be flattering and more likely to elicit a response.
Proofread and Use Proper Etiquette
Double-check your message for any typos or grammatical errors. Use a professional tone and address the person appropriately. A well-crafted message reflects positively on you and increases your chances of making a good first impression.
Examples of Good and Bad LinkedIn Messages
To illustrate these principles, let’s look at two contrasting examples:
Good Message Example:
“Hi Sarah,
I hope this message finds you well. I recently read your insightful article on AI in marketing and was particularly intrigued by your thoughts on personalization strategies. As someone working in digital marketing, I’d love to hear more about your experiences implementing these strategies.
Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call next week to discuss this further? I’d be happy to share some of my own experiences in return.
Thank you for your time,
Alex"
Bad Message Example:
“Hey,
I saw your profile and thought we should connect. I’m looking for a job in marketing. Can you help me out or introduce me to someone who’s hiring?
Thanks,
John"
The good message works because it’s personalized, offers context for the connection, and proposes a specific, time-limited ask. It also offers value in return. The bad message, on the other hand, is generic, lacks context, and asks for a significant favor without offering anything in return.
Following Up After the Initial Message
So, you’ve sent your carefully crafted message, but you haven’t heard back. What now? Following up can be an effective way to increase your chances of getting a response, but it needs to be done tactfully.
When to Follow Up
Give the person at least a week to respond before following up. Remember, people are busy, and your message might have gotten lost in their inbox.
What to Say in the Follow Up
Keep your follow-up message brief and friendly. Reference your previous message and restate your request. You might say something like, “I wanted to follow up on my previous message about discussing AI in marketing. I understand you’re likely very busy, but I’d still love the opportunity to chat if you’re available.”
Being Polite but Persistent
If you don’t receive a response after your follow-up, it’s best to move on. Persistence can be good, but there’s a fine line between being persistent and being pushy. Always respect the other person’s time and decision not to respond.
FAQs About Reaching Out on LinkedIn
1. Is it okay to message someone I don’t know on LinkedIn?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out to people you don’t know on LinkedIn, as long as you do so respectfully and with a clear purpose.
2. How long should my LinkedIn message be?
Keep your messages concise, ideally 2-3 short paragraphs. Longer messages are less likely to be read in full.
3. Should I connect with someone before messaging them?
If possible, it’s often better to send a connection request with a personalized note first. However, if the person has open messaging enabled, you can message them directly.
4. What’s the best time to send a LinkedIn message?
While there’s no perfect time, sending messages during business hours on weekdays often yields better results.
5. How can I increase my chances of getting a response?
Personalize your message, be clear about your purpose, and offer value or ask for specific advice rather than generic help.
6. Is it appropriate to ask for a job in my first message?
It’s generally better to build a relationship first before asking for job opportunities. Focus on connecting and providing value initially.
7. What should I do if I don’t get a response?
You can follow up once after about a week. If you still don’t hear back, it’s best to move on and focus on other connections.